Facing Windows 2004

As Giovanna (Giovanna Mezzogiorno) and her husband Filippo (Filippo Nigro) navigate the monotony of their daily routines, a sense of stagnation settles over their marriage like a thin layer of dust. The poultry factory where Giovanna toils away at her unfulfilling job is a constant reminder that life is passing them by, while Filippo’s graveyard shift is a stark symbol of his lack of seniority and purpose. Their arguments about money, sex, time, and work are a desperate attempt to rekindle the flame that once burned bright, but now only flickers in the darkness. The children are the sole reason they continue to go through the motions, as if caught in a never-ending cycle of responsibility.

One fateful morning, their mundane routine is disrupted by an elderly man (Massimo Girotti), whose transient global amnesia leaves him with no recollection of himself or his current circumstances. Despite Giovanna’s initial reservations, Filippo brings the old man back to their home for the night, hoping that a visit to the police station the next morning will unravel the mystery surrounding his identity. As the hours tick by, however, complications arise, and what was intended to be a brief stay stretches into several days.

As Simone (Massimo Girotti) wanders through their lives, strange episodes and flashbacks begin to surface, revealing tantalizing clues about his enigmatic past. His actions set off a chain reaction that culminates in an unexpected encounter between Giovanna and Lorenzo (Raoul Bova), the charming stranger who resides across the street. The palpable tension between them is palpable as they share stolen glances through their respective windows, each lost in their own desires.

Their chance meeting blossoms into a deepening connection, which in turn sparks a passionate kiss that leaves Giovanna breathless and Lorenzo smitten. However, the impending relocation of his job to another city casts a shadow over their budding romance, forcing Giovanna to confront her heart’s longing versus her mind’s cautionary whispers.

As Giovanna navigates this emotional quagmire, Simone remains at the center of their lives, his memories fragmented and elusive. The only constant is the name “Simone,” which becomes a thread that weaves together the disparate threads of their stories. A chance discovery - a love letter hidden in Simone’s suit pocket, addressed to Davide Veroli - sets Giovanna on a quest to uncover the truth about this enigmatic stranger. With the old man’s sudden disappearance, she embarks on a journey to trace Davide and, by extension, uncover Simone’s true identity.

As Giovanna’s gaze locks onto the weathered face of Davide Veroli, an astonishing revelation unfolds: this is none other than Simone, the man who once held a cherished place in Davide’s youthful heart. The weight of nostalgia settles upon him as memories of their tumultuous past converge with the stark reality that Simone had been his first and only true love. Yet, the gravity of circumstance compels Davide to make an impossible choice: should he risk everything by exposing his hidden truth to the very people who had previously mocked him for being homosexual, or should he prioritize saving the lives of countless others from the Nazi menace that threatens to engulf Rome? Ultimately, duty prevails as Davide sacrifices his own desires to alert and rescue numerous innocents, earning him the admiration and accolades that follow. Though his heroism brings honor, it comes at the poignant cost of losing the love he had once known.

As the past recedes into memory, Davide returns home, yet chooses not to share his extraordinary tale with the family who had taken him in just days prior. Instead, a profound connection forms between them, as they develop an enduring bond that transcends mere acquaintanceship. It is within this context that Davide offers Giovanna sage counsel, guiding her through pivotal decisions that shape the trajectory of her life. He encourages her to pursue her passion for baking and finds the strength to advocate for her marriage and children, his influence infusing her with a newfound sense of purpose and resilience.